Behind the numbers are companies that strictly source locally grown products, enabling family-owned farms to grow indigenously — effecting the environment and our local economies. Barbara Baumnan, of Gervais-based Baumnan Farms, relies heavily on companies like these that support the local farms. Such patronage enables her family-owned farm to grow fruit and move beyond products such as grain or grass that have longer shelf-lives — thus turning her passion for creating and selling pies that highlight the fruit she grows into a successful business.

“Commitments from companies that embrace the farm-direct mentality not only make an impact on my business, but they affect our entire community as a whole,” said Baumnan.  “We take a hands-on approach to growing our fruit, shying away from the use of machines, which keeps more laborers employed.”

Being able to grow and sell produce that is indigenous to the land is more sustainable and makes sense economically. Craig McCurdy of McCurdy Farms has been growing pears out of Hood River’s pear-loving landscape since 1992, after taking the helm from his parents who originally bought the farm in 1969.

Growing indigenously allows McCurdy to use fewer pesticides, which in turn creates better-tasting, quality fruit. Moreover, time spent monitoring the crops can be kept at a minimum, thus decreasing costs.

“My farm could use a lot more companies like Oregon Growers,” said McCurdy. “When companies source products locally, efficiency is at its best. Farm-direct business greatly lowers shipping costs, fuel and time — increasing both sustainability and affordability.”

* Provided by US Department of Agriculture’s census released in 2009 (the census is conducted every five years).

We offer 4 varieties in convenient resalable pouches.  Use them in confections, sprinkled on salads or simply straight out of the bag for a quick and nutritious snack!

To learn more click here!

Thanks

Oregon Growers

While not all of the farmers working with OGS have received The Food Alliance Certification, the Alliance requirements gives OGS a set of guidelines to begin determining appropriate growers for a long-term partnership.

Some of the Farmers OGS works with includes:
1.    Heather and Craig McCurdy, McCurdy Farms-Hood River, OR-Pears
2.    Gary Wells, Wells & Sons Farms-Hood River, OR-Apples
3.    Peter and Peggy Kinsey, Kinsey’s Farms-Mosier, OR-Cherries
4.    Scenic Fruit Company-Sandy, OR-Strawberries
5.    West Nut Farms-Dundee, OR-Hazelnuts
6.    Willamette Valley Fruit Company-Willamette Valley, OR-Marionberry

Because the connection of the growers to the consumer is so important to the mission and goals of the company, OGS works to educate consumers about the farmers that partner with OGS through label descriptions, outreach efforts, and information on the website.

Additionally, to further support the long-term relationship between OGS and the growers, OGS pays growers for their produce within thirty days of receiving goods. While this may seem like a simple concept, growers are often forced to wait ninety days or more to receive payment on their goods. Because supporting the growers is key to the company’s mission, OGS is committed to paying growers in a timely manner.

Oregon Growers & Shippers is working to build a company where not only will our children’s children will be proud of our efforts, but the people of our community will promote our mission with pride. Quite simply, our goal is to produce great food from the Pacific Northwest while building a successful company in a manner that is respectful and supportive to ourselves, our staff, the growers, and our community.

The best way for the home gardener to help is to plant bee friendly flowers and gardens.

Get a full list of bee friendly flowers

The most important element of a bee garden is the types of flowers it contains.

• 10 or more species of attractive plants
• Large patches of like flowers planted in close proximity to one another
• Wild and non-manicured
• No pesticides
• Leave bare dirt areas (no mulch) for bees to build their nests in the ground
• Plant flowers that bloom successively over the spring, summer, and fall seasons

A flower guide by region is available for download